To identify one or two killers was not possible and killing...

To identify one or two killers was not possible and killing thousands for one life was not admissible in the Shari`ah. [1] Tārīkh al-Tabarī, Vol 3, Page 40 One way to claim qisas was to execute all the persons who took part in the conspiracy, be they the ; from al-Madinah, Egypt, al-Basrah or al-Kūfah. The other way was to identify the real killers from the rebels and, establish their guilt by getting witnesses and then executing them.

Witnesses were possible if there were some people at the place and time of the killing. Some Umayyads who were at `Uthman’s place had meekly melted away sensing danger or took shelter in Ummu-Habibah’s house. However, Na’ilah bint Farafisah was there, but she was not able to identify anyone! Therefore, when Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) asked her about the killers, she said: “I do not know.

However with Muhammad ibn Abi-Bakr two persons came, whom I do not know.”[1] If it is assumed that the killers were alive, and the crime of murder was also established against them, one has to study the reasons that motivated them to take that extreme step. It is a fact that the crime was not committed as an act on the spur of the time. It happened after long parleys and discussions.

Therefore, delegations from different places kept visiting `Uthman and complaining about the tyrannies perpetrated by his functionaries. But all these appeals had no effect on the caliph. In fact, on several occasions he had asked his men to be more harsh with the complainants. To send the delegates away, he always promised redressal, that he never seriously meant. He used to tell them: “Whoever you want to be appointed the functionary, I shall appoint him.

Whichever functionary you wish to be deposed, I shall do that. This would mean that I have no authority and your rule prevails!”[2] It was natural that the delegates were upset at this outburst. They said that removing the tyrants and delivering justice was not in his power, he might as well demit his office and sit at home. If he did not act, they said, they might have to take the ultimate step. `Uthman asked them for what crime they intended to kill him.

He added that killing is a punishment for recanting from the Faith, adultery or unnecessary killing. He said that he had not committed any of those sins. The delegates said that, according to Allah’s Book, those who obstruct or deny others’ rights deserve to be killed.